Senior Software Engineer

Overview

CTEC is a leading technology firm that provides modernization, digital transformation, and application development services to the U.S. Federal Government. Headquartered in McLean, VA, CTEC has over 300 team members working on mission‐critical systems and projects for agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and the Office of Personnel Management.The company has experienced rapid growth over the past three years and recently received a strategic investment from Main Street Capital Corporation. In addition to our growth in Federal Civilian agencies, we are expanding our capabilities in cloud development and footprint in national‐security focused agencies within the Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community.

Client

CTEC develops and delivers innovative customer‐centric technologies and solutions that support the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Health and Insurance business unit and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust APIs and middleware that connect AI agents to a mixed‐tech stack (Node.js, .NET, Python, etc.) to ensure seamless data flow and interoperability.
• Guide teams on best practices for integrating non‐deterministic AI components into strictly typed mission‐critical enterprise applications.
• Develop orchestration logic to determine when a task is handled by a traditional rule‐based system versus an autonomous AI agent.
• Build “Validation Services” that sit between AI outputs and core systems to enforce rigid business rules.
• Use Python and PySpark to build robust data pipelines that feed high‐context information into AI models while maintaining traditional SQL‐based transactional integrity.
• Build and consume RESTful APIs and manage service‐to‐service communication in a cloud environment (Azure preferred).
• Deep knowledge of Git, Azure DevOps, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Establish deployment pipelines that include specialized testing for AI and interconnected components, such as prompt versioning, regression testing for model updates, and assistance with chaos‐testing of logic flows.
• Lead and participate in Agile development ceremonies, manage work through DevOps tools, and maintain source control using Git‐based workflows.

Skills and Experience

• At least seven (7–10+) years of experience in software development or application engineering roles, including technical leadership responsibilities.
• Strong proficiency in SQL for complex data queries, database development, and data‐driven application design.
• Strong proficiency in Python, with experience using PySpark for large‐scale data processing.
• Experience designing and developing applications in cloud environments, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• Working knowledge of relational and non‐relational databases.
• Experience developing RESTful APIs and integrating web services.
• Experience with source control systems such as Git and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong understanding of SDLC methodologies including Agile and Waterfall.
• Proven ability to design scalable, high‐performance software systems.
• Excellent problem‐solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non‐technical stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience with Azure DevOps, Azure Functions, or other Azure application services.
• Experience with event‐driven or messaging architectures.
• Experience supporting federal IT systems or large enterprise modernization programs.
• Experience mentoring or leading development teams.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health insurance coverage
• Career training
• Performance bonus programs
• 401(k) contribution & employer match
• 11 federal holidays